Lisbon: The Sun-Kissed Charm of Portugal

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-DEH-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/a
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo/ah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [KOH-moo ehs-TAH]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behm/eh voh-SEH]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [FAH-lah een-GLEHSH]
• I don't understandNão percebo
  [now pehr-SEH-boo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh vehr oo MEH-noo/por fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now KOH-moo KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-OO-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh pah-GAHR/por fah-VOHR]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-KOH-roh]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-BOH-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [SHAH-meh ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [SHAH-meh oom MEH-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido/a
  [eh-STOH pehr-DEE-doo/ah]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-STOH doo-EHN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [eh-STOH soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAHN-toh KOOSH-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é demasiado caro
  [EE-soh eh deh-mah-SYA-doo KAH-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [POH-deh bahy-SAH-rr oo PREH-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh OH-rahz sow]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh OO-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia dez
  [MAY-ah dehsh]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-NYAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [OHN-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-NYAH]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doysh]
• 3Três
  [trehsh]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está a/o...?
  [ON-deh ehs-TAH ah/oh]
• What's the address?Qual é a morada?
  [kahl eh ah moh-RAH-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [POH-deh moh-SHTR-meh/noo MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oo PROH-ksee-moo/ow-toh-KAHR-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-LYE-teh/PAH-rah]

Lisbon, known as Olissipo in ancient times, was founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BCE. It later became an important Roman city under the name Felicitas Julia Olissipo. The Romans constructed various infrastructure projects, including roads, aqueducts, and the famous Roman Theatre, remnants of which can still be seen today.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Lisbon was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. In the 8th century, it fell into the hands of the Moors who introduced Islamic culture, architecture, and advancements in science and agriculture. The Alfama district, with its maze-like alleys, is a testament to this era.

In 1147, Lisbon was recaptured by Afonso I of Portugal during the Reconquista. The Siege of Lisbon was a pivotal event, leading to the city becoming the capital of the newly established Kingdom of Portugal in 1255. This period saw the construction of significant Christian landmarks such as the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) and several monasteries.

The 15th and 16th centuries marked Lisbon's Golden Age during the Age of Discoveries. Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon, opening sea routes to India, Africa, and Brazil. The wealth from these expeditions funded architectural marvels like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was struck by a devastating earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires that ravaged the city. The disaster led to the reconstruction of Lisbon under the Marquis of Pombal, who implemented innovative architectural and urban planning techniques, resulting in the iconic Pombaline Downtown (Baixa Pombalina).

The 19th century in Lisbon was marked by political upheaval and liberal movements. The city witnessed the Liberal Wars, the establishment of the constitutional monarchy, and the eventual abolition of the monarchy in 1910, leading to the establishment of the Portuguese Republic. This era also saw the construction of grand boulevards and public squares like Praça do Comércio.

The 20th century brought further transformation to Lisbon. The city played a significant role during the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended decades of dictatorship and led to the establishment of a democratic government. Today, Lisbon is a vibrant metropolis known for its cultural diversity, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving contemporary arts scene, blending its rich history with modern innovation.

Lisbon is served by Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is located about 7 kilometers northeast of the city center. Direct flights to Lisbon are available from many major cities around the world. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taking the AeroBus, which runs every 20 minutes, or by using the metro (red line). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available and provide a convenient way to reach your destination.

Public transportation in Lisbon is efficient and includes metros, trams, buses, and funiculars. The metro is the fastest way to get around the city, with four lines covering most major areas. Trams, especially the iconic Tram 28, offer a scenic way to explore historic neighborhoods. Buses cover areas not served by the metro or trams. For short distances, walking is a pleasant way to experience the city's charm. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available. Consider purchasing a Lisboa Card for unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at various attractions.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and most banks offer currency exchange services. Contactless payments are also becoming increasingly popular, so it might be useful to have a payment app set up on your smartphone.

Lisbon is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Rossio Square, Alfama, and on public transportation. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife, can get rowdy after hours, so keep a close eye on your belongings. Always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid scams.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, medical services, and the fire department. Major hospitals in Lisbon include Hospital de Santa Maria and Hospital São José, both offering emergency services. Pharmacies are also widely available, and many have a green cross sign indicating 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out, as Lisboners appreciate a well-put-together appearance. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect the customs when visiting religious sites. Wear modest clothing and cover your shoulders. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't speak loudly or play music without headphones. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a 'Bom dia' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, especially pastéis de nata. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair in Lisbon.

To experience Lisbon like a local, start your day with a bica (espresso) at a local café. Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Graça and Campo de Ourique for a more authentic experience. Attend a fado performance in a traditional tasca. Take a stroll through the Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market) for unique finds. Don't miss the sunset views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. For a taste of local nightlife, head to Cais do Sodré or Bairro Alto.